Curatorial Assistant (Arts of Africa, Pacific, Americas, and Asia) – Dallas Museum of Art

Description

Reports to: The Margaret McDermott Senior Curator of the Arts of Africa, Pacific and Americas

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt, M-F, 9 am to 5 pm 

Start: September 2019

DMA Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.

The DMA will:

  • Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
  • Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
  • Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Scope of Position

The Curatorial Administrative Assistant provides professional administrative and research support to the following three positions:

  • The Margaret McDermott Senior Curator of the Arts of Africa, Pacific and Americas 
  • The Ellen and Harry S. Parker III Assistant Curator of the Arts of the Americas 
  • The Cecil and Ida Green Curator of Ancient and Asian Art

Essential Functions

  • Organize and maintain schedule, contacts, and files for each curator
  • Serve as liaison to all museum departments on behalf of each curator, when required
  • Update and improve object records in permanent collection database and for the museum website
  • Compose, transcribe, copy, and format correspondence, exhibition checklists, and spreadsheets 
  • Manage administration of outgoing and incoming loans program and related gallery work 
  • Prepare expense receipts and serve as a liaison with Accounting, facilitate budget reports, and maintain purchase order log
  • Make domestic and international travel arrangements including airline, hotel and ground transportation, and compile and verify itineraries for each curator and conservator
  • Assist in research on the permanent collection, and for exhibitions, publications, provenance, and acquisitions 
  • Coordinate with office of Exhibitions, Design and Interpretation, Education, Publications, Marketing and Development as to relevant curatorial projects 
  • Procure research materials on behalf of curators and outside scholars upon request
  • Prepare PowerPoint presentations for all curators for the purposes of, but not limited to, docent training, proposals for new exhibitions and new acquisitions 
  • Maintain and archive files (electronic and hard-copy) according to museum standards for each curator 
  • Assist curatorial volunteers and interns with their assigned projects as required 
  • Handle incoming and outgoing telephone calls, email inquiries, and voicemail messages professionally and accurately
  • Receive and screen office visitors, and accompany them within the Museum when required
  • Assist in planning special events, facilitate patron and artist visits including processing invitations, guest lists, and RSVPs
  • Maintain and order office supplies 
  • Other duties as assigned

Commitment to DMA Core Values:

  • ACT WITH INTEGRITY: BE OPEN, HONEST, AND ETHICAL.
  • COMMUNICATE OPENLY: BE CONSTRUCTIVE, TRANSPARENT, AND RESPECTFUL.
  • BUILD INCLUSIVITY: DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS MAKE US STRONGER.
  • JOIN FORCES: SUPPORT COLLABORATION AND UNITY.
  • WORK PASSIONATELY: BE FEARLESS, CREATIVE, AND SOLUTIONS DRIVEN.
  • EMBRACE AND DRIVE CHANGE: BE NIMBLE, THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY TO YES.
  • INVEST IN EACH OTHER: PURSUE LEARNING.
 
Requirements
 

Education, Experience, and Certification

  • B. A. in Art History or a related discipline, with a demonstrated interest in one or more curatorial fields indicated 
  • Two years of administrative experience preferred 

Key Qualifications

  • Ability to perform highly detail-oriented work with accuracy and strong organizational skills 
  • Ability to multi-task at a fast pace and handle multiple requests from the curators and conservator 
  • Experience writing and editing a variety of texts, including exhibition texts and labels desirable 
  • Excellent computer skills, including the most recent versions of Microsoft Office applications – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Experience working with TMS (The Museum System) desirable 
  • Experience conducting object-based research, including bibliography, provenance, and exhibition history desirable 
  • Ability to interact with supervisors, staff, patrons, dealers, artists, and trustees in a professional and considerate manner 
  • Knowledge of methods and techniques used in record-keeping systems 
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
  • General administrative and project management skills 

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Apply here